I post this piece every Presidential election year. Being a guest at a White House Christmas party, shaking President Reagan’s hand and then attending his inauguration are honors I will never forget.
As it may for you, as well, it saddens me to see the streets of Washington, DC right now and to witness how our political differences have tarnished the ritual of a peaceful transition.
Perhaps, my post of years ago can banish the dark cloud of chaos that surround us and bring a little smile to your face.
Outside temperature...-2
Raccoon Fur Coat...Free.
My cold ass at the 1982 Presidential Inauguration...Priceless.
Because it was going to be beyond cold in Washington that year and I had no appropriate coat to wear on such a trip, my mother-in-law suggested I borrow a rather old (can you say antique) raccoon fur coat she hadn't worn in many decades. It fit, and I was good to go.
It was a time when social sentiment was just beginning to rear its head against the use of furs for frivolous outerwear. The demonstrators were racking up a reputation for hurling nasty remarks and going as far as throwing paint at those who dared to wear. Nevertheless, fearless and furred, we hit the streets.
Turned out I didn't need to worry about being harrassed. I had bigger problems - HOLES IN MY COAT! Seemed time had caused the raccoon pelts to deteriorate and separate at every seam.
I wasn't wearing a coat, I was wearing fur streamers!
Had it not been for the Presidential Ball where we watched Frank Sinatra smoke a cigarette as he crooned with Mikhail Baryshnikov dancing behind him, my fondest memory might have been finding a small sewing kit in the hotel room where I frantically mended my Presidential rags.
Peace to all. ❤️
You are the best!
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